Address Who we are
The Animal Welfare Branch continues Australia's leadership in international and national standard setting, focusing on improving animal welfare outcomes for all animals, including livestock in the export and domestic supply chains. The branch analyses available science and data to inform the development and review of animal welfare standards and guidelines. The branch considers international standards and validates the effectiveness of Australian standards. The branch engages broadly (including with industry, regulators, animal welfare organisations researchers and the community) in developing an overarching national animal welfare strategy and supporting evidence and science-based standards, where animal welfare is integral to industry and community practices and to the regulatory system.
The Live Animal Export Branch regulates the export of prescribed livestock, live animals and animal reproductive material in accordance with the Export Control Act 2020 and the Export Control (Animals) Rules 2021. The LAEB works closely with the Animal Welfare Branch and the Principal Regulatory Office to develop legislation and standards, operational policy and guidelines, instructional material, technical training and reporting.
The key duties of the position include
The Jobs
The duties of the Senior Policy/Technical Officer may include but are not limited to:
• Contributing to projects and verification/validation activities that improve the department's regulatory approach to animal welfare for live animal exports.
• Providing technical advice on a range of domestic and exported animal welfare issues, including contributing to the development of national animal welfare standards and global welfare standards.
• Assessing the latest animal welfare research, including literature reviews, and data analysis, to inform reviews and to develop and support evidence-based policy.
• Engaging in data collection and basic analysis to inform evidence-based animal welfare policy and standards review and development (using relevant programs such as Microsoft Excel and Power BI) to show trends and build reports.
• Preparing high quality ministerial correspondence, briefs and other written and verbal advice for managers and senior executives, often in short time frames.
• Providing administrative and secretariat support, including the coordination of stakeholder consultation and meetings, and departmental website updates.
• Contributing to ASEL updates ensuring they are fit for purpose and reflect the latest scientific evidence and best practice through literature review and the analysis of voyage data.
• Undertaking activities related to the regulation of live exports, including licencing and accreditation of relevant persons or businesses, assessment and approval of export documentation and management of exporter performance.
• Investigating animal health and welfare, mortality and notifiable incidents, and exporter non-conformance.
• Developing and maintaining productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders through various forums about complex, contentious and sensitive issues.
• Drafting, interpreting, and applying legislation.
• Reviewing and assessing reports and information received relating to compliance with the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock, with particular reference to animal health and/or welfare outcomes.
• Assisting with the project management approach to monitor consultation and implementation activities against key milestones.
• Assisting with finance and business tasks to support the corporate activities of the branch, including preparing budgets, initial forecasting, and parliamentary reports.
Please note that this selection process will be used to fill multiple ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies. The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of 18 months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the division, where the duties are of a similar nature in locations listed above.
Flexible working arrangements
We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements. To seek further information please speak with the contact officer prior to submitting your application.
